October is recognized as Fire Prevention Safety Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about fire hazards and ensuring people are prepared in the event of a fire. A key aspect of fire safety is knowing how to use a fire extinguisher. It’s important to have one readily accessible at home, in the office, or in your vehicle. Remember the acronym PASS: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side. Practicing how to use an extinguisher can make a critical difference in stopping a small fire from becoming a larger threat.
In an office setting, having a clear and well-practiced evacuation plan is essential. Employers should regularly review and update escape routes, ensuring they are clearly marked and unobstructed. Employees should know their assigned evacuation points and participate in fire drills to familiarize themselves with the quickest and safest way out of the building. Being prepared in this way can significantly reduce panic during an actual emergency and save lives.
Smoke detectors are another critical tool in fire prevention. Make sure alarms are installed in key areas like kitchens, hallways, and near sleeping areas in homes, as well as throughout office buildings. Check them monthly to ensure they’re working properly, and replace batteries at least once a year. For businesses, investing in interconnected alarms increases safety by ensuring that if one detector goes off, all others in the system will alert occupants.
Proper storage of flammable materials is also crucial, especially in office environments. Cleaning supplies, paints, and solvents should be stored in designated areas away from heat sources or electrical equipment. Use flame-proof cabinets where necessary, and always keep flammable items in their original, sealed containers to prevent leaks or spills that could ignite.
Fire safety extends beyond buildings—it’s important to think about vehicle safety too. Many people carry flammable items in their cars, such as fuel containers, aerosol sprays, or cleaning chemicals. These should be stored in well-ventilated areas and away from direct sunlight to reduce the risk of explosion. Always remove unnecessary flammable materials from your vehicle and ensure your car has a portable fire extinguisher in case of emergencies.
For more information on fire safety and the proper use of fire extinguishers, check out the Adobe Learning Manager course.
Near Miss Winners
We're excited to highlight our recent Near Miss Submission winners, whose attention to safety in the field continues to make a huge difference. Their commitment helps us create safer workplaces every day.
A big congratulations to our winners:
Derick Hiers SR
Derick Hiers JR
Hunter DeBusk
Jack Benson
Trevor Furbush
In appreciation of their efforts, each winner receives an exclusive Near Miss Submission Winner hat. Check out this great shot of Derick Hiers SR, wearing his!
📢 Want to win? It's simple: submit your near miss report! Plus, if you submit for three consecutive months, you'll qualify for even bigger prizes!
Thank you to everyone who helps us prioritize safety—your contributions are invaluable. Let's continue working together for a safer, more efficient, environment.
Recognizing Excellence: Employee Appreciation Dinner!
Our President, Steven Wright, and VP of Human Resources, Casey Oware, recently hosted an appreciation dinner for the Midland area crews, acknowledging the dedication and hard work that consistently drive our team forward.
This event was a recognition of the team's ongoing commitment to excellence and a reflection of the strong leadership that supports our success.
A big thank you to everyone involved for their contributions. Together, we continue to achieve great results.
Guidelines for submitting your entries:
Open to all Encompass team members.
Photos must be original and captured during work-related activities.
Include your name, position, and a brief caption explaining the context of the photo.
Theme:
Equipment Showcase: Highlight the tools and equipment crucial to our fieldwork.
Location, Location, Location: Showcase the stunning places where our fieldwork takes us.
Team Spirit: Capture the camaraderie and teamwork during field activities.
We are pleased to announce that we have partnered up with Boot Barn to offer all Encompass employees a 15% discount on all purchases “work-related” from the Boot Barn, Nation Wide.
